How To Prepare A Ham In The Crockpot

Hams seem to show up on many tables – no matter the holiday.   Not only is it easy to prepare, but it will provide leftovers for those sandwiches later in the week. I’m going to show you how to prepare a ham in the Crockpot to make your dinner plans even easier.

Maybe you are hosting a dinner or cookout, or helping with one, this is a great recipe to have on your list to make.

See my menu ideas 

There are many brands of hams so choose your favorite. We love having a sprial sliced ham as it just makes it easier to slice for serving and sandwiches later. Most of the spiral sliced hams just need to be warmed up thoroughly, since they are already baked.

Not only are hams served as a standard meat for Easter, but think about these for any family picnics or get-togethers (when all of this over). There’s going to be a lot of excuses for parties. The beauty of ham is it doesn’t have to be served hot. Make this ahead of time and keep warm in the Crockpot, or serve at room temperature.

What about ham for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners too?

How To Prepare Ham and Glaze

(my printable links are having a glitch, sorry for any inconvenience to you)

Ingredients

8 – 10 pound spiral sliced ham

For the Glaze

1 C brown sugar, packed
1/4 C unsalted butter
1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices, drained – reserve juice
1 tsp ground cloves

Directions

• Melt butter in a small saucepan
• Remove from heat
• Stir in brown sugar
• Add cloves and mix until well combined
• Let cool to touch
• Spray inside of Crockpot with a non-stick cooking spray
• Place ham, cut side down into CrockPot
• Cover ham with brown sugar mixture gently packing mixture into ham
• Add pineapple slices on top of ham, securing with toothpicks
• Sprinkle reserved pineapple juice over ham – if desired
• Don’t over saturate or brown sugar will run off
• Add lid to Crockpot
• If not a tight fit, cover tightly with aluminum foil
• Cook on low for 3-4 hours or internal temperature 145 degrees
• Baste with juice and let set for 10 minutes before cutting
• Remove toothpicks
• For a crispy top, remove from Crockpot and place on baking sheet
• Broil on high for 4 – 5 minutes
• Place on platter and serve immediately
• Store leftovers in refrigerator in airtight container

Hints & Tips:

This will keep in the refrigerator 5 – 7 days if stored properly, and up to 2 months in the freezer.

For a little crispiness to the ham and pineapple, remove from Crockpot and place on baking sheet. Broil on high for 4 – 6 minutes, keeping an eye on it.

A Few Simple Steps

A few ingredients

Melt butter

Make glaze topping

Cover ham with brown sugar mixture

 

Add pineapple

Cook

Serve

 

Serve With Ham Gravy

It will be a sweeter flavor than your typical gravy since you have the brown sugar and pineapple.

I also like using heavy cream in this gravy to add some richness. I think you will love it too.

Ingredients
1/2 C all-purpose flour
1 C heavy whipping cream
2 C ham drippings from Crockpot, strained
1 C water

• In a small saucepan or cast iron skillet, pour in strained ham drippings
• Turn onto medium heat
• Mix flour and heavy whipping cream together in a small mixing bowl or glass measuring cup
• Whisk until it’s smooth
• Slowly pour this flour mixture into ham drippings, whisking constantly 
• Add water
• Continue whisking and stirring until it becomes thick
• Pour into your favorite gravy bowl and serve
• Store leftovers in refrigerator

Hints & Tips for Gravy

• Strain the ham drippings will help with a smooth gravy
• Use a whisk to avoid lumps while making your flour and cream slurry, and also while cooking the gravy.
• Take your time while cooking and whisking.
• It’s hard to not have a few lumps
• For an ultra-smooth gravy, strain it to remove lumps

What to do with leftover Ham

Here’s several ideas including pasta salads, quiche, and a favorite Hungarian dish.  LEFTOVER HAM IDEAS

My Easter Menu and Links

What’s a must have on your Easter Dinner table? My pretty standard menu is Ham, mashed potatoes, and these.

BAKED PINEAPPLE AND CHEESE CASSEROLE

BROCCOLI AND BACON SALAD

EASY BISCUITS

DESSERT – still undetermined, but maybe just some CHOCOLATE COVERED EASTER EGGS found here

If you haven’t started a PINTEREST Board with my recipes or ideas, you should. It’s always an easy way to remember them and share with friends.